Berlin Thunder WR Jon Cole: “I believe we’re a playoff contender”

Berlin Thunder see playoff potential

Every contender reaches a point where belief has to be backed up by consistent performances. According to Cole, Berlin Thunder have not reached that point just yet.

„Yes, I believe we’re a playoff contender. At the same time, I think we still have a lot to prove,“ the wide receiver said when asked whether Berlin belongs among the league’s elite.

That honesty reflects the current position of the team. Berlin has shown flashes of their potential throughout the season, but they have struggled to sustain that level across an entire game and against other contenders.

Cole admits that inconsistency remains the biggest obstacle between the Thunder and a serious championship run.“We’ve only really shown what we’re capable of in one or two big games, and even then we haven’t put together a complete four-quarter performance. That’s something we know we have to change.“

For Berlin, the focus is less on convincing the rest of the AFLE and more on meeting their own expectations first. „More than anything, we want to prove it to ourselves first, and then to the rest of the league.“

Team chemistry could be key in AFLE playoff race

Despite the mixed results, Cole believes there are clear reasons for optimism. The Thunder opened the season with five consecutive road games, making life difficult from the very beginning. Rather than using that as an excuse, he sees those experiences as part of the team’s development.

„We’ve grown closer as a team through the highs and the lows, and that chemistry is continuing to build each week.“ That growing chemistry has strengthened belief inside the locker room, even if Berlin has not fully convinced the rest of the league.

„I don’t think we’ve fully convinced the league or even ourselves at times that we’re one of the top teams yet. But I know we’re capable of competing with anyone when we prepare the right way and stay locked in.“

It is a balanced assessment. Berlin recognizes the gap between potential and production, but they also believe that gap is closing.

Consistency is key to challenging the league’s best teams

When discussing heavyweights such as the Vienna Vikings, Rhein Fire or Panthers, Cole does not argue that Berlin already belongs on the same level. Instead, he points to one decisive factor. „For us, it’s about bringing the same standard every single day, regardless of who we’re playing.“

That standard extends beyond practice and into game day execution. „If we prepare consistently and put together four complete quarters, I believe we can compete with any team in this league.“

For a roster that has already demonstrated its ability to make big plays on both sides of the ball, finding that consistency could transform Berlin from an unpredictable playoff hopeful into a dangerous postseason opponent.

Why Berlin Thunder could become a dangerous contender

Cole describes the identity of this Berlin squad in three words: „battle-tested, resilient, and still evolving.“ Those experiences have shaped a team that believes its best football still lies ahead.

„We’ve experienced the highs of big wins, the lows of tough losses, and everything in between. Those moments have forced us to grow and have prepared us for what’s ahead.“ Perhaps the most intriguing part of his assessment is the unpredictability surrounding the Thunder.

„What makes us dangerous is that no opponent really knows which version of Berlin Thunder they’re going to face. But we know that when we stay consistent and play to our standard for four quarters, we can compete with anyone. That’s the version we’re determined to become every week.“

Based on Cole’s answers, the Berlin Thunder are not yet presenting themselves as AFLE championship favourites. Instead, they see themselves as a team still earning that status. 

The belief inside the locker room is real, but so is the understanding that championships are won through consistency rather than potential. If Berlin can finally deliver the complete four-quarter performances Cole repeatedly emphasises, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the playoff race. Will they be able to show that against the London Warriors this weekend?