Freo matched it with last year’s grand finalists for three quarters before Saint Kilda gained the edge in the final term on the back of five-goal matches to Brendan Goddard and Stephen Milne.
It marked the first loss of the season for Fremantle who have shown substantial improvement from last season, including a come-from-behind win against the reigning premiers Geelong last week.
“We’ve learned we can take it right up to most teams,” Harvey said after the match.
“I mean, we have been wiped off the park the last couple of years against St Kilda, particularly on the road ... that we are getting closer to these top sides is important.”
However, Harvey reiterated the danger for his charges of getting too far ahead of themselves.
“You have to be careful with that too - your confidence can be shot very quickly,” he said.
“The minute you get overconfident will be the time that will be the end of you, so we’re very mindful of where we’re at.”
Harvey conceded there was a strong chance of changes to next week’s side after Sunday night’s narrow loss with a side that, with the exception of Matthew Pavlich (five goals), failed to find the right mix up forward.
Fremantle will fancy its chances on Sunday at Subiaco against a winless Richmond but Harvey was quick to hose down any thought of a comfortable win.
“They’ve got their backs up against the wall and we have to regroup and stay focused,” he said.
