Media reports have tied Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a rumoured move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' masterstroke that played out in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is expertly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue for the Magpies as stunning trade links surfaced.
Collingwood has moved swiftly after fans were reportedly robbed in a cruel twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain shared a message to the Magpie Army on the club website.