Defeated AFL grand finalists Sydney have apologised for providing the media with incorrect details from their Thursday night best and fairest account, having rushed out a media release that stated midfielder Dan Hannebery won the Swans’ best and fairest award, and not the actual winner Josh Kennedy.

The administrative error led to Melbourne’s Age newspaper erroneously publishing details of the award being won by Hannebery.

“The Sydney Swans can confirm an error was detected early in the count during Thursday night’s club champion Award,” the club said in a statement. “After a thorough recount, it was determined a different player had won the award.”

“Unfortunately the incorrect information was conveyed to several media outlets before the error was realised, in order to meet publication deadlines. The Swans apologise for any confusion caused and congratulate club champion winner Josh Kennedy.”

In winning his third Bob Skilton medal, Kennedy polled a club record 922 votes to clinch back-to-back wins, edging out midfield colleague Hannebery (913) and key defender Heath Grundy (865). Brownlow Medal runner-up Luke Parker (834) won a tight battle for fourth ahead of two other All-Australian representatives Dane Rampe (833) and Lance Franklin (827).

It was Kennedy’s seventh top-three finish in the count in as many seasons with Sydney. He tallied the most contested possessions and clearances of any AFL player in 2016 and finished second in total disposals behind Hannebery.

It capped of another superb season for the 28-year-old ball winner who won the inaugural Gary Ayres Medal for the player of the finals series and earned a third All-Australian guernsey Kennedy and Grundy shared their club’s award for the best Swans player in the finals.

Star forward Franklin won the Swans players’ player award and emerging defender Aliir Aliir, who missed the grand final through injury, was named the club’s most improved player.