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 played out in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is beautifully 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 reportedly robbed in a nasty twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain shared an update to the Magpie Army on the team's official site.