Matthew Wade had an opportunity to become a professional footballer just like his father Scott Wade, but he opted to become a cricketer instead.

He had even contemplated an Australian Football League career. At the age of 17, Wade was the vice-captain of the Tassie Mariners in the TAC Cup.

His teammates included Sam Lonergan (captain), Grant Birchall, Justin Sherman, and Jack Riewoldt. Wade had football in his blood since his father Scott Wade was, and still is, the chief executive of AFL Tasmania.