However, Fremantle's charge was snuffed out in controversial circumstances.
A non-decision when tagger Ben Jacobs wrenched Hamling away from a contest allowed Shaun Atley to burst through to goal, incensing the majority of the 37,575 fans.
The incident took the wind out of Freo's sails and late goals to Mason Wood and 200-gamer Todd Goldstein secured North's sixth victory, and ensured Brad Scott's men will finish round 10 in fifth spot on the ladder.
Straight from the typewriter of Travis King, who doesn't mind a chance to stick the boots into Freo, so that is saying something. Pity he didn't compare the tackle on Mason Wood with 4 or 5 on Walters in our forward line as well.