WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains an image of a deceased person.
Former North Melbourne livewire Phoenix Spicer has passed away, aged 23.
The sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, revealed the tragic news in a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon.
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“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. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” the post read.
“Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, a partner to Ky-ya and a second dad to Jordy.
“Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you! Forever 23.”
Spicer played 12 games for the Kangaroos after being drafted with Pick No.42 in the 2020 national draft. He was delisted at the end of 2023, before playing 18 games across two seasons for the Footscray Bulldogs in the VFL.
In a statement released by North Melbourne on Saturday night, club president Dr Sonja Hood said: “Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but 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.”
The AFL Players’ Association extended their sadness on Phoenix’s passing in a short statement from CEO James Gallagher.
“The AFL Players’ Association is saddened by the passing of our member Phoenix Spicer who played 12 AFL matches for North Melbourne from 2021 to 2023,” the statement read.
“On behalf of the AFLPA Board, members and staff, we express our sincerest condolences to Phoenix’s family, and his friends and former teammates.
“The AFLPA continues to offer free and confidential wellbeing support nationwide to all current and past player members as well as their significant others.”
The South Adelaide product had signed with Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League ahead of the 2026 season.
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