Seemingly in a winning position after hitting the front midway through the third term, Fremantle managed just one goal in the last quarter – a scenario Harvey believes is becoming all too familiar.
"The frustration of not being able to put a side away in the last quarter," Harvey said when asked his emotions post-game.
"We had our opportunities and that’s the frustrating part."
With St Kilda losing ball-winner Lenny Hayes to a hamstring injury late in the first term, Fremantle appeared to have taken control of the midfield but could not capitalise on the scoreboard.
"It was a frustrating game because there was no quick ball movement," Harvey said.
"It was an ugly game it would be fair to say, and it was up for grabs throughout the course of the game – the game was there to be won."
The coach rated poor ball use and sub-standard decision making as critical factors in the side’s 11th loss of the season.
The Saints continually dropped numbers back in a tactic that frustrated Fremantle's coach and players.
"We didn’t hurt them enough by foot when we should have," Harvey said.
Despite gathering a team-high 27 possessions, Harvey hinted young gun Rhys Palmer might be rested in the coming weeks as signs of fatigue kicked in against the Saints.
At one point the 19-year-old failed to make the distance from 35 metres out and was regularly hurried in disposal as his reaction times decreased.
"He might be tired…it’s been a big year," Harvey said of last year’s top 10 draft pick.
While Palmer is fit if required, teammates Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson are in doubt for next week’s Subiaco clash against Essendon.
McPharlin suffered a rib injury in the third quarter while Johnson required painkillers to see out the game after rolling an ankle in the first term.
Veteran Mark Johnson, due to play his 200th game against his old side, is another likely to come under selection scrutiny.
Harvey would not guarantee his place in the side after collecting just 11 touches against the Saints.
"It’s good for players to play milestone games but in the end they have to earn it," he said.
