Heartbreak as former AFL player Phoenix Spicer dead at 23

The former North Melbourne player is remembered for being a “beautiful, loyal and strong” person.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of deceased persons.

Tributes are flowing for “beautiful” and “strong” former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer, who has died at the age of 23.

The sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, confirmed his death on social media.

“We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux said in the post.

“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.”

Former North Melbourne AFL player Phoenix Spicer mourned after death at age of 23. Picture: Facebook
The North Melbourne Football Club paid tribute to the ex-AFL player, describing him as a “popular” and “well-liked” player.

“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,” a team statement read

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of deceased persons.

Tributes are flowing for “beautiful” and “strong” former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer, who has died at the age of 23.

The sister of Spicer’s partner, Ky-ya Nicholson Ward, confirmed his death on social media.

“We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux said in the post.

“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.”

Former North Melbourne AFL player Phoenix Spicer mourned after death at age of 23. Picture: Facebook
The North Melbourne Football Club paid tribute to the ex-AFL player, describing him as a “popular” and “well-liked” player.

“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,” a team statement read

He played 18 games for the VFL Footscray Bulldogs across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

North Melbourne president Sonja Hood AM said: “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 pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

Originally published as Heartbreak as former AFL player Phoenix Spicer dead at 23