AIBU to apply for an internal promotion that I am 99% sure I won't get

[ohcarolina2001]

My boss's job has been advertised as a maternity leave cover. Looking at the job description and application questions I am not at all confident it's the job for me.
A year ago I would have definitely applied but there has been a restructure since then and this job is now more senior than it was. The job has been advertised internally and externally simultaneously, adding to my doubts about whether they think anyone internal can do it. I am currently on maternity leave myself too so feel out of the loop and unconfident to boot. And is returning to work with an 11 month old baby the right time to take on a bigger role? - probably not.
But since opportunities like this don't come up often, is it worth applying just to demonstrate that I am keen to progress - or would I just look foolish applying for a job I am unlikely to get? They will almost certainly interview me since I am internal, even if they think I don't have the right skills to do the role - but will they think I am a PITA time waster? Of course interview practice and feedback after the interview can be very useful.

YABU - don't waste your time or their time by applying for a job you know you won't get
YANBU - got to be in it to win it. Apply and worst case you will get interview practice and feed back

"Never turn down a job you haven't been offered" as my father used to say.

Thanks everyone. Just to update you all, I went for the job, they interviewed 5 people and I was the runner up. The person who got the job had 10 years more experience than me but I got great positive feedback and they confirmed I was appointable to the role but was pipped to the post by this person with more experience. They encouraged me to apply for similar roles in future.
Am amazed it went as well as that as I had barely any sleep and barely any time to prepare properly as my baby was going through the 8 month sleep regression at the time!

Congratulations - that feedback and experience was worth it to apply!! and next time you won't even question yourself and won't even need to post on MN for encouragement

I saw somewhere once that men apply for jobs they think they could do, women apply for jobs they know they can do.

Well done! Next time it'll be yours so it was definitely worthwhile

I don't think it's about whether you think you can GET the job, the problem is that you dont seem to think you can DO the job. If you got it and couldn't do it then you're properly fucked.

Ah bugger, didn't pay attention.

Glad it went well and you got good feedback, congrats OP.

I didn't see this post originally but I'm so glad you went for it, I'm sure everyone else has said all these points but it's good practice, you never know and for most employers it's encouraging to see ambitious employees who want to go further within the company.

I'm sure it's a huge ego boost to you for doing so well and you will be well positioned for the next opportunity, well done!!

Thank you everyone :-)