The Australian Football League community is in mourning following the tragic death of former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer, who passed away on Friday at the age of 23.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Phoenix Spicer was selected by the North Melbourne Kangaroos with pick number 42 in the 2020 national draft. The talented forward went on to play 12 AFL games for the club before being delisted at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Seeking to continue his football journey, Spicer spent the last two seasons with Footscray, the VFL affiliate of the Western Bulldogs. He played 18 games for the side and was even named as an emergency for their VFL grand final victory in September this year.
His football future had recently taken a new direction, with an announcement just months ago confirming he had signed to play for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season. The move would have seen him reunited with his former Kangaroos teammate, Jared Polec, who coaches the side.
A Proud Indigenous Man and Contributor
Originally from the remote community of Numbulwar in east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Spicer was a proud Nunggubuyu man. He carried his heritage with great pride and made a significant contribution to the game's cultural fabric.
In 2023, he played a key role in collaborating with artist Emma Bamblett to design North Melbourne's guernsey for the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round. The special jersey featured the personal totems of each of the club's First Nations players, with Spicer represented by the barramundi fish.
Club Tributes and Support Services
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood led the tributes, stating, "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 Western Bulldogs also issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow: "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 AFL Players' Association confirmed they were saddened by the news and reminded past and present players that support is available. "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.
Help is available: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36.
