The Otago centre described his next match for the province as "50 and out" - a dead give away that he was up to 2am watching the Black Caps hold on to beat India in the semifinal earlier this week.
The 27-year-old still looked pretty fresh at the captain's run at Logan Park on Thursday and was excited to get the opportunity to play in a Ranfurly Shield defence against Thames Valley in Wanaka today.
It will probably be his last game for Otago. The Highlanders utility has signed a two-year deal with Irish team Ulster and leaves for Northern Ireland towards the end of the month.
It is the start of an exciting new chapter in his career, but it is also the end of an era.
"It is an exciting time heading abroad for a new challenge and new environment," Faddes said.
"But it will definitely be sad to leave here.
"I'm just thankful that Otago and the team in Ulster were more than happy for me to play in this game. With it being a Shield challenge, it is considered a first-class match, so that is awesome.
"Growing up it was an achievement I would have loved and to achieve it is pretty special. It means a lot.
"It has been a long journey from one to 50."
Faddes was part of the side which wrested the Ranfurly Shield off Waikato in October and he is not planning on losing it in Otago's first defence.
"Obviously winning the Shield was a highlight. We had a great start but they were a quality side and they fought their way back in.
"It was a bit of a brain explosion by one of their players which gave us a sniff at the end. We got two penalties, I think, and held on."
Faddes was with the 2013 Otago team which ended the province's much talked about 56-year long drought when it upset Waikato 26-19 to win the Shield.
He did not play but it was a good memory, all the same.
"My debut was pretty cool as well. It was at Carisbrook and I think it was a Tuesday night. The World Cup was on and the format was all over the show.
"I think there might have been about 200 people there. It was a pretty miserable old night.
"I still remember my flatmates cheering when Tony Brown got the ball because they thought I was Tony Brown. I ran the same sort of haircut back then.
"It is a bit draughtier now," he joked, pointing at his sparsely adorned scalp.
Faddes came on as a substitute against North Harbour. It was actually on a Thursday night and Otago lost the game 46-29.
Faddes has not ruled out playing for Otago again. The region is home for him.
"I don't know what it is about Otago but they seem to groom cool, fun people who I enjoy and love being around.
"Someone asked the other day what is the best part about playing rugby as a job. I didn't have the answer at the time.
"But 100% it is that you get to spend all day with 40 of your best mates.
"It is pretty hard to find a job like that. I'll definitely miss it while I'm away and won't rule out a return."
Ranfurly Shield
Wanaka Showgrounds, Saturday, 2.05pm
Otago: Taylor Haugh, Mitchell Scott, Matt Faddes, Matt Whaanga, Josh Timu, Ben Miller, Kurt Hammer, Dylan Nel, Slade McDowall, Sione Misiloi, Ben Morris, Joe Latta, Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, Kilipati Lea. Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Ben Millar, Saula Ma’u, Josh Hill, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Aleki Morris, Jona Nareki.
Thames Valley: Jason Laurich, Harry Lafituanai, Sam McCahon, Danny Kayes, Kieran Lee, Reece Boughton, Ben Bonnar, Matty Axtens, Fred Kei Fotofili, Brett Ranga, Connor McVerry, Cameron Dromgool, Sitiveni Tupou, Glen McIntyre, Lance McIntyre. Reserves: Brooklyn Toia, Sergio De La Feunte, Lance Easton, Siona To’a, Laulea Mau, Cole Berridge, Regan Crosland, Matiu Abraham.