Media reports have linked Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a rumoured 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 surprise trade links surfaced.
Collingwood has moved swiftly after fans were reportedly robbed in a nasty twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain posted a message to the Magpie Army on the team's official site.