How to get foot in the door?

Found a job vacancy I am 70% eligible for, posted by someone I know but name basis. They are also the reporting manager for the role We have had casual chat on Linkedin and Whatsapp, few pleasantries

How to appraoch this? Should I message of Linkedin or Whatsapp? Will it sound desperate?

They have put out a Google form for hiring. Any lame person knows Google forms are not even considered