Media reports have connected 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 expertly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue 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 shared an update to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.