WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains an image of a deceased person.<\/p>\n
Former North Melbourne forward Phoenix Spicer has died at the age of 23.<\/p>\n
Spicer passed away on Friday, with his family and North Melbourne confirming the news.<\/p>\n
Drafted with pick No.42 by the Kangaroos in the 2020 national draft, Spicer went on to play 12 AFL games before being delisted at the end of 2023.<\/p>\n
Spicer spent the past two seasons at the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Footscray – playing 18 games across that stretch – and he was named as an emergency in the club’s VFL grand final victory in September.<\/p>\n
Just months ago, it was announced Spicer had signed for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
Hoppers Crossing is coached by Spicer’s former Kangaroos teammate Jared Polec.<\/p>\n
*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this post contains images of deceased persons.*<\/p>\n
North Melbourne is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Phoenix Spicer. <\/p>\n
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends \ud83d\udc94 pic.twitter.com\/ddajNbfJtT<\/p>\n
\u2014 North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) January 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Spicer was a proud Nunggubuyu man.<\/p>\n
He played a role in helping artist Emma Bamblett design North Melbourne’s 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey, which featured each of the team’s First Nations players’ totems.<\/p>\n
Spicer was represented by his totem, the barramundi fish.<\/p>\n
“Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group,” North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“On behalf of the club, I would like pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs also sent out their condolences.<\/p>\n
“The club extends its deepest condolences to Spicer’s friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected,” the statement read.<\/p>\n
The AFL Player Association said they were saddened by Spicer’s passing, and said support services were available for any past or present players who needed them.<\/p>\n
“The AFLPA continues to offer free and confidential wellbeing support nationwide to all current and past player members as well as their significant others,” their statement read.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lifeline 13 11 14<\/p>\n
beyondblue 1300 22 4636<\/p>\n