Applying to schools outside catcgment

I have a child starting preschool next year who has become good friends with another child at their daycare. Both families want to try to keep them together at preschool if possible as they are close and struggle when one is away or sick.

However, we live in adjacent suburbs that fall into different school catchments/ priority enrolment areas. Has anyone had luck in applying to schools outside your catchment? Any suggestions or advice on how to improve our chances?

(apologies for being vague, I'm trying not to dox my or the other family)