The 18-year-old Melbourne University commerce/law student and U19 Australian Lacrosse team member is attending the world championships in Canada next month.

It was the transition from Haileybury College to Melbourne High School that spawned his interest in lacrosse.

The full-body contact and adrenalin-pumping nature of lacrosse caught Bradley's eye when he was a year 9 student.

Bradley's soccer and rowing background made the transition to lacrosse easier because he already had a solid fitness base.

"I was used to the defending and general speed of play but it did take some time to get used to the bumps and bruises,'' he says.

Now his interest in the sport has become more serious.

His weekly training regime includes two sessions with the Melbourne University squad, of which he is captain, and two Pilates, weights and running sessions.

The Australians will face off with tournament favourites and last year's runner-up Canada in game six of the championship.

"We're determined to do well and confident in our skills,'' Bradley says.

His mother Sue is proud of her son's achievements on the field and at school.

"He's worked hard to succeed at both ends of the spectrum. Academically and athletically he's done so well.''

"It's a vicious and physical sport but the kids just love it.''

Lacrosse is a sport played on a field not dissimilar to a soccer pitch.

Two teams of 10 players aim to score goals using their crosse, orstick.

The sport is "massive'' in the US and Canada, with gifted players receiving full scholarships to college and training up to five hours a day.

Bradley himself is on a full scholarship to Melbourne University following his 99.9 VCE Enter score.

He was one of 32 students with a base study score of 46 or more in five subjects. Some more difficult subjects then earned him bonus points.

Bradley's achievement resulted in his 2007 Premier's Award in the Top All-Round VCE High Achievers category.

Now enrolled in commerce, he plans to study law on completion of his studies.

"My goal is to become a barrister.

At this stage, lacrosse is purely an enjoyable pastime.''