West Coast ruckman Nathan Vardy has been set the challenge to take more contested marks as the premiership big man attempts to hold onto his spot.

Vardy has averaged just six possessions per game this season and is yet to kick a goal.

But even more worrying is his lack of marks, with the former Cat taking just three contested grabs across eight games.

It’s significantly lower than last year, when he took 12 contested marks in 10 games.

With star ruckman Nic Naitanui set to return after the round 13 bye, Vardy is running out of time to prove he should be second in line ahead of Tom Hickey when Naitanui returns.

Hickey is set to miss the next two weeks with an ankle injury, giving Vardy the perfect chance to prove his worth.

“He’s been rucking a lot more this year than he has the last, so that’s a different role,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said of Vardy.

“And it’s his first year really as a starting ruckman. So I’ve got a little bit of patience.

“But having said that, nothing’s been locked in with him either.

“I don’t think he’s playing at his best at the moment. He’s the first to admit that.

“He’s probably just missing out on a couple of opportunities to take a few contested marks, whereas he was probably good for one or two a game and a couple of shots (last year).”