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 beautifully scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar concern for the Magpies as shock trade links circulated.
Collingwood has taken action after fans were apparently robbed in a brutal twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published a note to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.