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

North Melbourne is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Phoenix Spicer, 23, on Friday.

Spicer arrived at the Kangaroos from SANFL club South Adelaide after being selected at pick no.42 in the 2020 AFL Draft.

He went on to play 12 games for the Kangaroos after making his debut in round 23 of the 2021 season. His last AFL game for the club was in round 14, 2023, against the Western Bulldogs.

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 Dr Sonja Hood AM said.

"On behalf of the club, I would like pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time."