If Tasimba Marsden stakes his claim to a spot on the Kangaroos' list in three years' time, you can thank his grandad.

Marsden, 15, is among the standout prospects coming through the North Melbourne Academy's Rising Roos program, which readies the Academy's top juniors for elite talent pathways.

Marsden is the kind of onballer who can make things happen. He can play at half-back, or on the wing, or half-forward. Still growing into his frame, he makes up for his lightweight build with smarts and explosive speed.

He captained the Kangaroos in April's Next Generation Academy (NGA) carnival. Against Essendon, he generated turnover after turnover, rolling through half-back and midfield while earning comparisons to Harry Sheezel for his calm leadership and ability to read the play.

"His game awareness is what stands out for him," says Academy head coach Hamish MacInnes. 

"He has a really impressive understanding of when to get outside, and when to go and win a hard ball. And when he gets in space, he's such a good user of the ball.

"He has Sheezel's composure, and ability to lead. And like Sheezel, he's someone you can put anywhere on the ground and he's going to understand what he needs to do."

Marsden's mum, Dr Kudzai Kanhutu, is an infectious disease specialist who is Dean at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. His dad, Chris, is a teacher at Wesley College.

While his parents are a great support, neither, according to Marsden, knows much about footy. That role is left to his grandad, Rick.

A Richmond fanatic, Rick introduced Marsden to the game.  

"He would just take me to the park and I didn't really enjoy it initially, to be honest," Marsden said ahead of a recent Academy session at Arden St. 

"But over time, I kind of got into it."

Rick remains Marsden's most vocal supporter. He is also likely responsible for Dustin Martin being Marsden's boyhood football hero ("I don't have a 'don't argue' but I'm working on it," Marsden said).

Now Marsden is developing into a footballer in his own right, he admires players like All-Australian Swan Errol Gulden, or smooth-moving Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. 

"Guys who are really good ball users, you know? When they get the ball, they do good things with it. Clean skills all over, and high impact, disposal-type players."

Marsden will be draft eligible in 2028, when the Roos will have the right to nominate him through their NGA zone.

Before then, he knows he will have plenty more development to do.

Playing higher-level footy is the immediate goal. At the end of this year he will compete for selection in the Calder Cannons Under-16 squad in the Coates Talent League. He also wants to make the firsts team at his school. 

But neither, he said, is the day-to-day focus.

"Just getting better. That's the biggest goal."