Footy and family pay tribute to Phoenix Spicer
* WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who has passed away.
The AFL has been rocked by the news of the sudden death on Friday of footballer Phoenix Spicer, aged just 23.
Spicer played 12 games for the North Melbourne Football Club, and also played 18 games in the VFL for the Footscray Bulldogs.
He was also involved in the design of the Kangaroos’ 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey.
Spice was delisted from North Melbourne at the end of the 2023 season and had signed to play for the Hoppers Crossing club in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season.
“Beautiful, loyal and strong”
A proud Nunggubuyu man from the Northern Territory community of Numbulwar, he was drafted by North Melbourne with pick 42 in the 2020 AFL draft.
He has been remembered by teammates and family as a “beautiful, loyal and strong” person.
“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 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 Player Association said they were saddened by Spicer’s passing, and said support services were available for any past or present players who needed them.
Tributes
The sister of his partner Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, Dharna Nicholson-Bux, said on social media: “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.”
