Kelly snared the final spot in the five-person squad after he finished fifth at the National Trap Championships in Wagga Wagga last week.

He finished one point ahead of fellow Wimmera shooter Wayne Hawker, who will be first emergency for the side.

The Glenn Cup is an annual competition between Australia and New Zealand.

The Aussies will travel to New Zealand in 2016 to renew a burgeoning trans-Tasman relationship.

Kelly qualified in the top 25 Australians early on at the championships and made the Mackintosh team, which comprises the highest 25 individual scorers from the national double-barrel, single-barrel and point score championships.

Kelly missed just eight targets on his way to a score of 742-750 and Glenn Cup qualification.

It is the first time Kelly has qualified for the national team.

He said he had finally ticked off a bucket-list item.

‘‘It’s a dream come true to have a chance to shoot for an Australian jacket,’’ he said.

‘‘To make the Mackintosh team was an absolute honour, but to make the Glenn Cup team as well was unexpected, but I’m very proud.’’

Kelly will be the only Victorian in the team unless someone withdraws and Hawker gets a call-up.

‘‘There’s still a long time before New Zealand next year, so anything can happen,’’ he said.

‘‘But it gives me a long time to prepare.’’

More than 200 Australian shooters were at Wagga Wagga last week vying for positions on the team.

Kelly said to rank in the top five was remarkable.

‘‘It’s nice to have competed with the guys I grew up admiring in the sport. To be able to shoot well over five events is something I’m very proud of,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s an opportunity I’ll never forget. I’ve had this idea since I was a boy.’’

Kelly is the president of the Central Wimmera Clay Target Club.

He said the performances from the region’s shooters at the championships was great.

‘‘The district itself has a strong representation and we had some success,’’ he said. ‘‘For a sport with so much travel involved, it’s working well for the district.’’

Hawker’s wife Lisa won bronze in the double rise category, while Ararat’s Thomas Pilgrim claimed bronze in the junior points score.

Wimmera duo Sandy and Grant Ellis won a silver medal in the family doubles section, while Stawell’s Colin Dunn qualified for the veterans Mackintosh team.

Kelly will prepare for New Zealand with a number of Wimmera shoots and some carnivals.

He said people interested in clay target shooting could call him on 0427 826 997.