The Australian Football League community is grappling with profound sadness following the sudden death of former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer. The young athlete, a proud Nunggubuyu man, was just 23 years old.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Phoenix Spicer's AFL journey began when North Melbourne drafted him from South Australia in 2020. He made his senior debut for the Kangaroos the following year, showing flashes of the talent that had caught the eye of recruiters. Over the next two seasons, he added to his experience, playing a total of 11 AFL games.
After being delisted by North Melbourne, Spicer remained dedicated to the game. He spent the last two years developing his skills further with the Footscray Bulldogs in the VFL. His passion for football was undimmed, with his future in the sport recently confirmed. In September, the Western Region Football League's Hoppers Crossing club, coached by former Kangaroo Jared Polec, announced they had signed Spicer for their 2026 campaign.
A Family's Heartbreaking Announcement
The devastating news was shared publicly by Dharna Nicholson-Bux, the sister of Spicer's partner. In a moving social media post, she confirmed Spicer died on Friday night.
"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," she wrote. She remembered him as "a beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man" who was a beloved brother, uncle, son, and partner. He was also a second father figure to a child named Jordy.
"Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss," the tribute continued. "You are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you! Forever 23."
Football Community Rallies in Grief
The loss has sent shockwaves through the AFL's Indigenous community and beyond. Prominent Indigenous AFL figure Paul Vandenbergh, on behalf of the Tjindu Foundation and the Aboriginal AFL Academy, expressed his devastation.
"We are absolutely shattered," Vandenbergh wrote in a response to the family's post. "Phoenix was someone we truly adored and had the privilege of having him in our program." He highlighted the lasting impact Spicer made through his strength, kindness, and dignified character.
Vandenbergh noted that Spicer was deeply respected and loved by academy staff, coaches, and all the young participants. He extended the foundation's deepest condolences to Spicer's entire family and the wider Nunggubuyu community, emphasising that Phoenix would be deeply missed and always remembered.
The football world now mourns a young man whose life and potential were extinguished far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of promise and a community united in sorrow.
