Media reports have tied Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a rumoured move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' stroke of genius 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 problem for the Magpies as stunning trade links circulated.
Collingwood has responded quickly 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 club website.