Former North Melbourne forward Phoenix Spicer has died at the age of 23.
Spicer passed away on Friday, with his family and North Melbourne confirming the news.
Taken 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.
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.
Just months ago, it was announced Spicer had signed for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.
Hoppers Crossing is coached by Spicer’s former Kangaroos teammate Jared Polec.
Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Spicer was a proud Nunggubuyu man.
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.
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 Sonja Hood said in a statement.
‘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 Bulldogs also sent out their condolences.
‘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.
The AFL Players’ Association said they were saddened by Spicer’s passing, and said support services were available for any past or present players who needed them.
‘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
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