Brad Scott reflected on Tuesday on the element he hadn't anticipated when Nick Dal Santo became the second significant casualty for St Kilda under the heading of free agency. He knew the footballer he was getting, but what he brings to North Melbourne's playing group off the field has been a huge bonus.

"The players very quickly voted him into our leadership group on the basis of one pre-season - that gives you an idea of how impressive he is as a person, how well he prepares," Scott said.

Reinvigorated: Nick Dal Santo. Credit:Joe Armao

"He's been huge for us, particularly in the absence of Andrew Swallow. It was great on the weekend (in the drubbing of Brisbane Lions) to see them working in combination."

Coaches swoon over seasoned athletes who can enter a foreign environment and, through their teaching and the example they set, instantly make it a better place. Such input is both invaluable and immeasurable, yet judging by the numbers Dal Santo is also a compelling contender for player of the year among the competition's club-swapping recruits.