Media reports have linked Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a reported move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' stroke of genius that played out in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is perfectly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar concern for the Magpies as surprise trade links circulated.
Collingwood has moved swiftly after fans were apparently robbed in a cruel twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published a note to the Magpie Army on the team's official site.