Media reports have connected Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a possible move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' clever move that unfolded in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is perfectly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue for the Magpies as shock trade links circulated.
Collingwood has moved swiftly after fans were reportedly robbed in a cruel twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published a note to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.