Media reports have linked Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a reported move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' masterstroke that unfolded in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is beautifully scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar problem for the Magpies as stunning trade links surfaced.
Collingwood has responded quickly after fans were reportedly robbed in a nasty twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published an update to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.