St. Kilda and North Melbourne champion Nick Dal Santo says Geelong superstar Gary Ablett will show his very best form in the finals.

Speaking on SEN, Dal Santo said the finals will be where Ablett shows his real value to the side.

"The reason Gary Ablett was brought to the Cats was to get them into this position, and he is going to get judged on his finals performances," Dal Santo began.

"I think he will excel. He will do things that will make us remember.

"This is where Gary Ablett will be worth every cent.

"He is 34 years of age and he is still plays the predominant amount of his football in the midfield for the Cats.

"I’ve had a look at some of Gary Ablett’s numbers, home-and-away compared to finals.

"He hasn’t played finals for a while. A lot of his numbers are better in finals, in big matches.

"For example, he averages more disposals, 10 more ranking points, contested possessions about the same, goals the same, assists the same, clearances up and tackles up.

"That’s Gary Ablett’s experience and what he has brought to finals."

Ablett will play in his first final since 2010 when the Cats take on Melbourne in an elimination final at the MCG on Friday night.