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