The 29-year old played in consecutive Grand Finals at St Kilda under Lyon, and says Scott’s approach reminds him of his former coach.
"He (Scott) is very straight down the line, he's firm, but he comes across as a real players' coach," Dal Santo told the Herald Sun’s Glenn McFarlane.
"You can just tell he is in it with the playing group.
"Brad is still pretty fit, he hasn't slimmed down, he still has that size and intimidation factor.
"We've had a couple of brief chats about the things I have been through in the past and what I can bring to the other guys in terms of training and game situations."
The former Saint says a fortnight on the other side of the world with his new team-mates has been the perfect initiation.
He admits it was hard to say goodbye to a club that’s been part of his life for 12 years, St Kilda, but has quickly embraced the royal blue and white.
"I actually thought the (Utah) camp was exactly what I needed. I wanted to get my teeth stuck into North Melbourne, and become a real part of the group.
"From where I was at the airport to where I am now, I am already leaps and bounds ahead of where I thought I would be."
Rooming with Jack Ziebell, Shaun Atley, Jamie Macmillan and Taylor Garner, Dal Santo says he’s been made to feel part of the furniture at his new home.
"Training is one thing, but it has just been great really getting to know the boys. You need to get to know their personalities and what they are really like.
"We are not the best chefs, but we have been doing burritos, lasagne, a bit of 'spag bol' and we even made a roast one night.
"Ziebs' has a few little gourmet side dishes which have helped us out, too."
Having travelled to Colorado for the Saints’ pre-season camp in recent seasons, the skilful left-footer knew what to expect in Utah.
"… for me this has been given me a chance to get to know my new teammates and to get to know the game plan and the way the club goes about it," Dal Santo added.
"This camp is a bit longer than St Kilda's, so that makes it more challenging.
"I went out for a four-hour hike last Saturday, which was tough, and we have another big hike planned for this week.
"In my opinion, altitude has to have some sort of impact. But even if it doesn't, to go away for three weeks and to live with the guys and train and eat and work as professional athletes is just a great way to go about it."
Now considered a veteran in AFL terms, the 260-gamer is confident he can continue to play good football into his 30’s.
"I finished off the year playing some decent footy, so that gave confidence to know that I still compete at the time of the year when you've played 15 to 20 games," he said.
"I need to be versatile because that's where the game is headed now. We've got a lot of young guys coming through and a lot of them aspire to play in the midfield, so I can't be one-dimensional.
"You need to be able to play midfield, you need to be able to play half-forward and you need to be able to play half-back."
Having played in a successful side before feeling the pain of defeat regularly this season, Dal Santo says nothing can be taken for granted. He sees reason for excitement at the Kangaroos and is desperate to be a part of it.
"The thing that I have really noticed about the group is they are still quite young.
"You look at players like Brent Harvey and Drew Petrie, who have been through so much as players and who are passing on those experiences.
"There is a really good mix of players. The age of the young guys and the experience of the older guys will hopefully mean we are going to be effective."
Dal Santo, the fourth-oldest player on North's list he'll look to mentor the club's developing stars.
"When you get older, you just want to pass on as much as you can. Hopefully that's what I can do."
But a leadership role in an official capacity is yet to be confirmed.
"I haven't spoken to anyone about it, but I would definitely consider it.
"I haven't thought a great deal about it, but it would be fantastic if I could help out in that way.
"But if I am not (in the leadership group), I would still see myself as an older head and someone who can give advice from a different perspective."
