Media reports have linked 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 expertly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar concern for the Magpies as shock trade links emerged.
Collingwood has moved swiftly after fans were apparently robbed in a brutal twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain posted a note to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.