The Corowa native landed on Richmond's list the same time it broke a 37-year premiership drought in 2017, and, despite nine appearances in that time, he's found himself on the outer of a star-studded defence.

After a nervous wait, the 22-year-old was this week offered a one-year contract to remain a Tiger until the end of 2021.

He's determined to prove he can cement a spot in the backline which includes All Australian Dylan Grimes, David Astbury and rising star Noah Balta.

"Three out of four (premierships) is an amazing effort and to be at the club those four years is awesome, but there comes a time where you want to make your name," he said.

"Some people don't get to play in a grand final, so I've been lucky to experience it, but there sort of comes a time when you're at a successful club and you want to play in one as well.

"That's always an aim, but as everyone says it's about sticking to the process and just enjoying what you do.

"You've just go to roll with what comes at you at the time. That's how I'm trying to approach 2021, do the work and whatever will be will be."

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Garthwaite was held back by groin and adductor complaints throughout the year and required post-season hand surgery for an injury picked up before Richmond entered the Queensland hub.

It was without a doubt the toughest 12 months of his career, with no football on offer for players not in the 22.

"It didn't feel normal and it was the the thing that frustrated me the most because at the end of the day you just want compete and we didn't have that chance," he said.

"Coming off winning the VFL the year before, you want to defend your title and we couldn't do that.

"At some point you question 'what am I doing here if you're not the in the AFL team?', but it was something we had to adapt like a lot of people in their jobs.

"It was a challenge for sure I'll admit that, but hopefully some sort of competition comes up next year so if we're not playing AFL, we can have something with other teams."

Like many players, Garthwaite rode an emotional roller-coaster in hub life on the Gold Coast.

"There was two sides to it. It was amazing being around the boys all the time and having that camaraderie together," he said.

"The little stuff around the hotel would be hilarious, but living in a hotel room for 114 days wasn't exactly ideal.

"It was a bit consuming at times, but to the club's credit and the team itself, it was amazing to see how everyone supported each other through the ups and downs.

"I think I had 51 COVID tests, we were having two a week which wasn't pleasant."

Garthwaite will spend around a month in Corowa before Richmond's pre-season starts on January 7.