Collingwood celebrated the arrival of Adam Treloar prematurely on Wednesday but eventually had their man after finalising a trade with Greater Western Sydney.
Treloar nominated the Magpies as his preferred home on September 7 and the two clubs held productive negotiations throughout AFL trade period.
Collingwood were so confident of recruiting Treloar they produced a video last Friday in which the midfielder signed his paperwork.
It was meant to be released after the deal was done but leaked online on Wednesday morning.
However, the embarrassing episode failed to derail trade talks and the long-speculated deal was completed late on the second last day of the trade period.
The Magpies gave up picks No.7 and No.65 plus a first-round pick in the 2016 draft to recruit Treloar, who finished second in GWS's best and fairest this year.
The Giants also shipped off pick No.28 in the exchange.
Collingwood list manager Derek Hine was thrilled to recruit a 22-year-old who would be part of the "side's core midfield over the next decade".
"Adam has established himself as one of the competition's most-prolific young midfielders," Hine said.
GWS football manager Graeme Allan made no apologies for the protracted trade talks.
"Negotiating a trade like this can take time but, as a result, we're pleased to have secured the best possible outcome for the Giants," Allan said.
"First-round selections are obviously highly sought after so to receive two as part of this trade is an outstanding result for our club.
"These first-round picks are significant when it comes to our draft strategy this year and in 2016."
Treloar is overseas, which is why the Magpies wanted to pre-record his message for fans.
"It's been a tough decision, but one that I am at peace with," Treloar said in the leaked three-minute clip.
"I think it is the best decision for myself and my family, and I can't wait to get stuck into the pre-season and run out in round one in front of hopefully 90,000 people."
Collingwood and the AFL were investigating how the video was leaked.
Treloar's move had already ruffled feathers at the Giants after the midfielder was revealed to have had surgery on his troublesome groin, reportedly without the knowledge of either club.
The video shows Treloar with his partner, Chelsea, signing his paperwork while he waxes lyrical on the club's playing list and coach Nathan Buckley.
"He coached me back in under 16s and he was just great," he said.
"The way he taught us to go about it, I got along super well with him ... I can't wait to work with him again."
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