Heartbreak as former AFL player Phoenix Spicer dead at 23
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains images of deceased persons.
Tributes are pouring in for the “beautiful” and “strong” former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer, who has died aged 23.
The sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, confirmed Spicer’s death on social media.
“We are devastated to share that we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer last night. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux said in her post.
“Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, partner to Ky-ya, and second father to Jordy.
“Our hearts are broken by your sudden loss, now you are watching us in Dreams brother, we will miss you!
“Forever 23.”
The North Melbourne Football Club paid tribute to the former AFL player, describing him as a “popular” and “liked” player.
“The club extends its deepest condolences to Spicer’s friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time and requests that their privacy be respected,” the team said in a statement. The statement was included.
Spicer, a proud Nunggubuyu man, hailed from Numbulwar, a remote community in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
His totem was a barramundi fish.
He was selected from South Australia to play with North Melbourne in the 2020 national draft and played 12 matches for the Kangaroos.
His last match took place in round 14 of the 2023 season.
Spicer also played a role assisting Emma Bamblett in the design of the team’s 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey, which features the totems of each of the team’s First Nations players.
He played 18 matches for the VFL Footscray Bulldogs in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood AM said: “Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group.”
“On behalf of the club, I would like to extend my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
