Tragedy Strikes the AFL Community: Beloved Former North Melbourne Player Phoenix Spicer Dead at Just 23
- Phoenix Spicer, a proud Nunggubuyu man, has passed away at the age of 23, leaving the AFL community in shock and mourning.
- The talented young player made 12 AFL appearances for the Kangaroos and spent two seasons with the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Footscray.
- Spicer’s family and the North Melbourne club have confirmed the devastating news, with tributes pouring in from across the AFL.
- The 23-year-old was set to play for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League in the 2026 season, just months after signing with the club.
The AFL community is reeling in shock after the sudden and tragic death of former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer at the age of 23. Spicer, a proud Nunggubuyu man from Numbulwar in east Arnhem Land, was a talented young player who made 12 AFL appearances for the Kangaroos.
Spicer’s family and the North Melbourne club confirmed the devastating news on Friday, with tributes pouring in from across the AFL. Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of Spicer’s partner Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, announced the news on social media, describing Spicer as “a beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man”.
“On behalf of my sister Ky-ya and our family, we are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer,” she wrote. “He was a shining light in our lives and his passing leaves a huge void in our hearts.”
Spicer spent two seasons with the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Footscray, playing 18 matches across that stretch. He was named as an emergency in the club’s VFL grand final victory in September and had recently signed with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood paid tribute to Spicer, saying he was a “popular and well-liked member of the playing group”. “On behalf of the club, I would like to pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time,” she said.
The Bulldogs also paid respect to Spicer, with the club extending its “deepest condolences to Spicer’s friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time”.
Spicer’s passing has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, with tributes pouring in from players, coaches, and fans. He will be remembered as a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him.