The notion is just about right. Sort of almost expecting that to be the case.
They have form. They smashed us at least partly to get us back in line, and left Melbourne alone re tanking to not create a Carlton basketcase Mk2.
Its a pretty good solution too. Adelaide get punished for the 'arangement' by losing him for nothing, Sydney get punished for being flogs and refusing to budge on pick 23 (by losing him and having him go to cross town rivals), and Tippett gets punished by having to wear Orange and play for GWS (but still gets the dollars and gets to Sydney).
The AFL wins by strengthening GWS and promoting a rivalry with Sydney (and GWS via the controversy). Players know that if they play hardball with demanding clubs of 'choice' the AFL will actually start enforcing the PSD.
Strap on a few fines, deregister the player manager and strip a draft pick or two for good measure.