Vale Phoenix Spicer

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

The South Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of former junior player Phoenix Spicer.

Originally from Numbulwar, a remote community in east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Phoenix was a proud Nunggubuyu man.

Phoenix moved to Adelaide at the age of 11 to live with his grandfather and soon began his football journey with the Panthers. He progressed through South Adelaide’s Under-16 and Under-18 programs before enjoying a breakout season in 2020, which saw him selected by North Melbourne with pick 42 in the AFL Draft.

He went on to play 12 AFL games, making his debut in Round 23 of the 2021 season. His final AFL appearance came in Round 14, 2023 against the Western Bulldogs.

Over the past two seasons, Phoenix continued his football career in the Northern Territory and with Footscray, where he was named an emergency in the Bulldogs’ 2025 Premiership campaign.

Phoenix will be remembered as a talented footballer and a much-loved member of our club community.

Our thoughts are with Phoenix’s family, friends, and all who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.