The 33-year-old, who is flying to the United Arab Emirates today to represent MCC against Yorkshire, admits his fitness levels were lacking this time last year as he recovered from back surgery.
But in stark contrast, having worked tirelessly in recent months in an effort to hit the ground running, the fast-bowler says he can’t wait for the fixtures to start.
“Last year I was coming back from surgery and ended up pulling my groin,” says Graham, “so straight away it wasn’t ideal.
“But halfway through the season, it’s no coincidence that I was bowling a lot better and I started to kick on.
“I felt like I was getting back to my normal self, so I’m really excited for the season to start because I feel good.
“I’m 33 now, so I’m aware I have to be that bit more careful, be mindful and look after my body.
“I need to concentrate on my flexibility as well as my general fitness level, but I’m going in to the new season feeling strong.”
As well as getting some sun on his back in the Middle East, Onions is looking to step up his technical preparation ahead of the County Championship opener against Somerset next month.
And after spending a rare winter period at home in the North-East, the prospect of getting some outdoor action under his belt will be warmly welcomed by the Gateshead-born bowler.
“I’ll get to bowl off my full run up,” he explains, “and in many ways the MCC game marks the start of my season.
“I class today as the first day of the campaign, and it’s now a case of getting my body going and some miles in my legs.
“I’ve practically spent a whole winter at home, and while a lot of the lads have been away, I’ve been in the gym and working indoors.
“There’s just no comparison between bowling indoors on a hard surface from a shorter run-up to bowling outside.
“It takes a bit of time to get used to it physically, and technically you bowl a bit fuller indoors as opposed to grass wickets.
“As soon as you get outside you get that familiar feeling – you’re out of the indoor school and that helps to encourage your competitive edge as we get closer to the start of the season.”
*MCC, captained by Ian Bell, will face County Champions Yorkshire on Sunday 20th – Wednesday 23rd March.