Media reports have connected Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a reported move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' clever move that played out in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is beautifully scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue for the Magpies as stunning trade links emerged.
Collingwood has responded quickly after fans were apparently robbed in a brutal twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published an update to the Magpie Army on the club website.