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 played out in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is perfectly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue for the Magpies as stunning trade links emerged.
Collingwood has taken action 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 club website.