Media reports have connected Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a rumoured move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' stroke of genius that unfolded in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is perfectly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar problem for the Magpies as stunning trade links emerged.
Collingwood has responded quickly after fans were apparently robbed in a cruel twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain published an update to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.