NORTH Melbourne legend Wayne Carey has slammed the impact of Geelong champion Gary Ablett and believes the Cats will be a better side without the injured dual Brownlow medallist.

Carey, speaking on AFL.com.au's Pick A Winner, tipped the Cats to beat St Kilda comfortably despite being without the dual premiership player, who suffered a right hamstring strain against West Coast last Sunday.

"I think they'll be better without Gary Ablett," Carey said.

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When questioned about that statement, Carey expanded.

"Gary Ablett doesn't give you a lot defensively and I think Gary, and I think he'll admit himself, and a lot of people have noticed, that Gary just chips the ball around," Carey said.

"He gets a lot of cheap possessions at the moment.

"I think the fact that (Mitch) Duncan is back into that team, (Tim) Kelly, they get some real grunt, real hardness, in and around the footy again, and I think the Cats, down at Kardinia Park … and the Saints have been that poor, I don't think they can turn it (around). Especially down there at Geelong, I don't think they win.

"They might show something but I don't think it's going to be down at the Cattery. I think the Cats win, and win very, very, very well."

Duncan has missed the past fortnight with hamstring tightness.

Ablett, 33, has averaged 33 disposals per match this season.

WATCH: Ablett's first goal on return