Media reports have tied Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury to a reported 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 concern for the Magpies as stunning trade links circulated.
Collingwood has taken action after fans were apparently robbed in a nasty twist involving Pendlebury, Yahoo News said.
The captain posted a note to the Magpie Army on the club's web page.