Kelly won his nomination after a successful month where he claimed two titles at the Victorian Clay Target Association State Trap Carnival.

Kelly took the high gun honour as the best overall shooter at the carnival, along with winning the points score event.

To top off a great carnival, Kelly was selected in the five-man Victorian team to compete at the nationals in Wagga in April next year.

He has been a consistent shooter at this level over his career and has placed in many events, but had never claimed the highest honour before this year.

He described it as a great thrill.

Kelly had been in red-hot form going into the titles, having claimed a number of titles at club, zone and state levels in the lead-up to the state championship.

His preparation for the nationals will include competing in the New Zealand national championship prior to the World Clay Target Championship early next year.

Kelly joins fellow Sports Star of the Year nominees Anna Bush, netballer Jordie McAuliffe, Horsham Saints footballer Darcy Tucker, volleyballer Jess Radford, croquet player Ken Bald, golfers Levi Burns and Jenny McRae and clay target shooter Ashley Bolwell. All are in the running to collect the Horsham Sports and Community Club title of Wimmera Sports Star of the Year and a $1000 Sports Star scholarship at a gala dinner in February.

Previous winners include Jannik Blair, Alethea Sedgman, Mark O’Brien, Jason Niblett and Aaron Bruce.

Nominations close on the last day of each month and all monthly winners receive an embroidered Sports Star of the Year jacket courtesy of DAGS Quality Screen Printing and a voucher from Hip Pocket Workwear.

The winner also receives a free ticket to the annual presentation and a medallion from Wimmera Trophies and Gifts.

All nominees will be presented with certificates signed by Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty.