Media reports have linked 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 expertly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar issue for the Magpies as surprise trade links circulated.
Collingwood has responded quickly after fans were apparently robbed in a cruel twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain shared a note to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.