The Kangaroos, who host the Saints at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, recovered from their early-season struggles and are within striking distance of the finals.
Scott said North was a much better side now, and had taken many lessons from the "individual modelling" of St Kilda's players.
"I thought that was the game this year that we almost learned more from than any other," he said.
"We certainly got a real lesson in how to run through the midfield by some of their midfielders [and] some of the forward work rate. Nick Riewoldt in particular was outstanding.
"I know our key forwards looked to that game and thought, 'Gee, that's the level of work rate you've got to get to, to be an elite forward in this competition.
"We watch their players very closely. They're certainly a terrific team and we're looking forward to challenging them."
Scott said a poor display in this game would indicate that North deserved to finish outside the eight, even though it belted top-four contender Fremantle last week.
He has not ruled out tinkering with the line-up that produced the 54-point win, with Matt Campbell (calf) pushing for selection.
"We've always got to look at what we think is our best 22 to go in with, and we're hoping we'll have some players available this week. Matty Campbell was close last week but not quite right," he said.
"But the 22 went out and did the job really well. We'll only be able to add to our squad."
However, the absence of Michael Gardiner (hamstring) will not dictate his ruck combination of Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein.
"I just expect them to bring [Adam] Pattison in anyway," Scott said.
"Traditionally their rucks play 50-50, whether it's [Ben] McEvoy and [Steven] King, or King and Gardiner.
"They do have options up their sleeve. Obviously [Justin] Koschitzke can play in the ruck; [Jason] Blake can play in the ruck.
"He (Gardiner) is really important ... not just in the stoppages but the way he covers the ground as well. It's a big out for them."
Scott also voiced his hope for Andrew Swallow to face off with Lenny Hayes in the midfield - a match-up he said many people would like to see.
Swallow, who won North's best and fairest award in 2009, has been among the club's standout performers this season.
Scott acknowledged that the 23-year-old was a better player than he had thought he was and that the competition was starting to rate him accordingly.
"For a long time I think he was seen as a guy who really had a crack and gave his best, but was just a good, hard goer," he said.
"He's much better than that."
