'Kindest soul': Former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer dead at 23 as tributes flow in
Updated . First published
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.
Former North Melbourne AFL player Phoenix Spicer died on Friday night, his family has confirmed, and players across the league have paid tribute to him.
He has been remembered as "beautiful, loyal and strong". The sister of his partner Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, Dharna Nicholson-Bux, shared the news via Facebook on Saturday.
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Phoenix Spicer of the Kangaroos in action during the VFL. via Getty Images
Spicer was 23 at the time of his passing.
He was originally from Numbulwar. A primarily Indigenous community in the Northern Territory and grew up alongside nine brothers and sisters.
"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," said the post from Dharna Nicholson-Bux.
"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 North Melbourne between 2021 and 2023, after being selected with pick 42 in the 2020 draft. He was drafted out of the SANFL after moving to South Australia to player for South Adelaide.
A talented small forward, he kicked two career goals and helped design the club's 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey.
Luke McDonald, Phoenix Spicer and Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Kangaroos have confirmed the news, saying in a statement they are "deeply saddened" by his passing.
"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."
He was delisted at the end of 2023 by the Roos and chose to play for Darwin in the NTFL.
Spicer then returned to Victoria to represent Footscray, the Western Bulldogs' VFL affiliate, across 2024 and 2025. He was named as an emergency in the club's VFL grand final victory in September.
The Western Bulldogs also released a statement on his passing.
"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," it read.
New North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey posted his condolences to Instagram, calling Spicer "one of the kindest and most caring souls".
Phoenix Spicer of the Kangaroos. via Getty Images
Jy Simpkin, who was captain at the time of Spicer being on the list, posted "rest easy my bro", with a love heart emoji.
Other North players including the likes of Harry Sheezel, Tristan Xerri, Charlie Comben and Robert Hansen Jr also paid tribute.
Hansen, a fellow Indigenous man, posted "rest easy my brother", while Comben referred to him as an "all timer".
North Melbourne legend and AFL games record holder Brent Harvey, who presented Spicer with his Roos guernsey, post "#1038 R.I.P Heart breaking".
Gold Coast forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan posted twice on Instagram, the first captioned "horrible news, Rest in peace my brother boy. Kindest soul".
Phoenix Spicer of the Bulldogs' VFL side. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Spicer clearly made an impact among the Western Bulldogs playing group while with the club's VFL side, including Ugle-Hagan.
Former Bulldog Aiden O'Driscoll posted "gone way too soon".
Former North Melbourne players Charlie Lazzaro and Tyler Sellers posted heart emojis under the news of Spicer's death.
Western Bulldogs midfielder James Harmes also took to Instagram to pass on his condolences with a heart and prayer emoji.
Adelaide AFLW premiership player and media personality Abbey Holmes posted on Instagram: "such terrible news! RIP Phoenix".
Spicer had signed with the Western Region Football League for 2026, the club had announced.
He travelled to the United States in October of 2025, according to his Instagram page, where he visited New York and attended an NBA game.
