Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of deceased persons.
Local and state AFL clubs are mourning the death of “popular and well-liked” 23-year-old player, Phoenix Spicer, after the family announced his passing on 3 January.
“We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux, sister to Ky-ya Nicholson-Ward, Spicer’s partner, posted to social media.
Spicer is being remembered by his family as “a beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man”.
Ms Nicholson-Bux confirmed his death was “tragic, sudden and unexpected”, with a GoFundMe stating he was “taken from us far too soon due to unanticipated health complications.”
Playing three years of AFL and two seasons of VFL, Spicer also signed with the Mooroolbark Football Club in mid-2024 to join the list when not playing at the higher level.
“The Mooroolbark Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Phoenix Spicer,” the club posted to social media.
“Although Phoenix was with our club for only a short time, the impact he made and the connections he formed will never be forgotten. His time in green and gold, no matter how brief, means he will forever remain a Mustang.
“Our thoughts are with Phoenix’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, as we honour his memory and the place he will always hold within our football community.”
Drafted to North Melbourne in 2020 at pick number 42 from SANFL club South Adelaide, he went on to play 12 games for the Kangaroos after making his debut in round 23 of the 2021 season.
In his player profile, North described him as “an exciting player who absolutely oozes class and x-factor”.
His last AFL game for the club was in round 14, 2023, against the Western Bulldogs.
Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Spicer was actively involved 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.
Spicer was represented by his totem, the barramundi fish.
“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 Dr Sonja Hood AM said.
“On behalf of the club, I would like pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
After his time at North Melbourne, Spicer played 18 games for the Footscray Bulldogs across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
“The Western Bulldogs Football Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of VFL player Phoenix Spicer,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
Spicer signed on to play at Hoppers Crossing Football Club for the 2026 season, with the announcement made in September last year.
A GoFundMe was established just days after his death and cited him as being “a shy young man, but his smile could light up any room and leave a lasting impression on everyone he met.”
Funds raised will go towards funeral and memorial expenses, with anything leftover to be donated to Aboriginal youth football programs.
“Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you,” Ms Nicholson-Bux said in her post.
