mettlesome

Full of mettle; spirited and plucky. See synonyms at brave.

adjective

1. Having or showing courage: audacious, bold, brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, fortitudinous, gallant, game, hardy, heroic, intrepid, plucky, stout, stouthearted, unafraid, undaunted, valiant, valorous. Informal spunky. Slang gutsy, gutty. See fear/courage.
2. Full of or characterized by a lively, emphatic, eager quality: fiery, high-spirited, peppery, spirited, vibrant. Informal snappy. See action/inaction, feelings.

The adjective has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: having a proud and unbroken spirit

Meaning #2: willing to face danger
  Synonyms: game, gamy, gamey, gritty, spirited, spunky