Harvey's men eventually went down by 19 points, but there was plenty for the coach to smile about after handing some big roles to young players.
Matt de Boer and Greg Broughton both delivered on Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson respectively, while Byron Schammer filled Ryan Crowley's shoes on Gary Ablett.
"Significantly we had some big roles for some players," Harvey said after the game.
"There's some great highlights from individual match-ups that we had.
"And then on top of that the effort of the guys – against a side that we all think is going to play in the grand final – was substantial."
Another winning match-up for Fremantle was Chris Tarrant on Cameron Mooney, who was held goalless, while Matthew Pavlich (31 disposals and seven clearances) and Aaron Sandilands (37 hitouts and five clearances) had an immense midfield influence.
Scores were level at three-quarter time and Fremantle got within seven points as time-on approached. It wasn't enough, however, with the Cats breaking free thereafter.
"There was more than one fleeting moment," Harvey said.
"We gave ourselves an opportunity and put ourselves in the game in the last quarter, and had an opportunity to dethrone a winning sequence.
"I think our competitive nature was right up there with what I would expect from a group that was playing against a great side."
Harvey conceded his forward line didn't function with tall options Adam Campbell, Kepler Bradley and Luke McPharlin all held goalless.
Pavlich was the side's only multiple goal-kicker, with nine others registering singles.
"That really hurt us," the coach said of his tall forwards' output.
"I spoke to them throughout the course of the game about just taking a competitive mark…we weren't able to do that (and) we didn't have enough crumbers at times.
"I think in time when we get a better balanced team – with (Des) Headland and (Hayden) Ballantyne around the corner and (Roger) Hayden and (Michael) Johnson around the corner, too – that's what we look forward to."
Clancee Pearce was the only casualty for the injury-hit Fremantle with a minor hamstring strain, while Antoni Grover is on report for rough conduct.
The side now has six days to recover before taking on an in-form Collingwood at the MCG.
Harvey said his side would go into the clash confident but would need a faultless preparation.
"We've got to really make sure everything is spot on in our preparation in the build up to a big game at the MCG," he said.
"We haven't played there this year (and) they're in good form."
