Former North Melbourne Australian Rules Football (AFL) player Phoenix Spicer has died at the age of 23. His death was confirmed on Friday by his family and the North Melbourne Football Club. Spicer was drafted in 2020 and played 12 AFL games before his delisting in 2023, subsequently playing in the VFL and signing with a new club for the 2026 season.
Death Confirmed
Phoenix Spicer, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player for North Melbourne, died on Friday at the age of 23. His death was confirmed by his family and the North Melbourne Football Club. The announcement was also made publicly via social media by Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of Spicer's partner. The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Football Career Overview
Spicer was selected by North Melbourne with pick No. 42 in the 2020 national draft. He participated in 12 AFL games for the Kangaroos before being delisted at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Following his time in the AFL, Spicer spent two seasons with the Footscray Bulldogs, the Western Bulldogs' VFL affiliate, where he played 18 games. He was named as an emergency for the club's VFL Grand Final victory in September. Months prior to his passing, Spicer had signed with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season. Hoppers Crossing is coached by Jared Polec, a former teammate of Spicer at North Melbourne.
Background and Cultural Contributions
Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Spicer identified as a Nunggubuyu man. He contributed to the design of North Melbourne’s 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey, which incorporated the totems of the team's First Nations players. Spicer's totem was represented by the barramundi fish.
Statements and Support
Dr. Sonja Hood, President of the North Melbourne Football Club, issued a statement extending the club's condolences to Spicer's family and friends. She noted that Spicer was a "popular and well-liked member of the playing group" during his tenure at the club.
Greg Size, Spicer's former manager at Deliver Sports Management, expressed sorrow and requested that the family's privacy be respected, particularly regarding the cause of death.
The AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA), through CEO James Gallagher, also expressed sadness and offered condolences to Spicer's family, friends, and former teammates. The AFLPA reiterated its offer of free and confidential wellbeing support to current and past player members and their significant others. The Western Bulldogs also released a statement of condolence.