Media reports have tied Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a possible move to the Gold Coast Suns.
Nine.com.au described the Suns' clever move that unfolded in secret.
SEN commentator Kane Cornes said the deal is expertly scripted for Collingwood.
Nine.com.au also flagged a million-dollar concern for the Magpies as surprise trade links circulated.
Collingwood has taken action 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 team's official site.